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Bhagwant Mann seeks audio and video recordings of trial of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev from Scotland

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to the British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh for the recordings, stating that they hold profound historical and emotional significance for the people of Punjab.

3 min readChandigarhUpdated: Jan 12, 2026 03:24 PM IST

Mann requested audio/video recordings of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev's trial from Scotland. (Source: X/ @BhagwantMann)

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has requested that the original audio and video recordings and archival documents related to the trial proceedings of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, currently preserved in a Scottish museum, be handed over to Punjab.

In a January 9 letter to the British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh, Alba Smeriglio, Mann wrote that “these records hold profound historical and emotional significance for the people of Punjab, as well as for global scholars of history and human rights”.

Mann wrote, “It is learnt that original audio/video recordings and archival documentation pertaining to the trial proceedings of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar, and Shaheed Shivaram Hari Rajguru are presently held by concerned authorities in Scotland, reportedly preserved within a museum/institution maintaining historical legal archives of that era.”

“The Government of Punjab seeks access to these archival materials for academic study, digital preservation, and public exhibition at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex, Khatkar Kalan, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab, India. I shall be grateful if the matter is kindly taken up with the concerned authorities in Scotland for facilitating provision of the said archival material, or guidance on the requisite formal procedure to obtain copies for preservation and display,” he added in the letter.

Mann said the tourism department would be available for coordination, clarification, or procedural documentation in this regard, with Abhinav Trikha, the secretary in the department, designated to oversee the responsibilities.

The chief minister said this would be remembered as a significant step towards honouring shared history and the universal ideals of justice, sacrifice, and human dignity.

Sources said the Punjab Government had received information that video and audio recordings of the trials existed in Scotland.

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Earlier, in December 2025, Mann sought the support of the United Kingdom’s legal fraternity to procure a rare piece of video footage of Bhagat Singh for the Government. Interacting with a delegation of the Bar Council of England and Wales at his residence on December 18, Mann said that no video record of the legendary freedom fighter was available in India. He had stated that it had been learnt that Scotland Yard might possess rare footage of Bhagat Singh, particularly from the time of his arrest and trial.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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